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“Inter will play for penalties” reckons Manchester United manager: But can Red Devils prevent this?

It was quite an achievement for the Italian champions to record a goalless draw at the San Siro a fortnight ago. Inter looked a poor imitation of Serie A league leaders and can thank their lucky stars that they’re still in the tie after being comprehensively outplayed.

They now travel to Old Trafford knowing that an away goal would put them in the driving seat, although the Press Association reports that Sir Alex Ferguson is expecting an ultra-defensive display from his opponents. The United manager is expecting plenty of men behind the ball, going as far as to predict the visitors will be playing for penalties.

“Could he really have believed that we wouldn’t attack at the San Siro?” he continued. “Well, I’ll tell you that at Old Trafford Inter will play for penalties.

“There is always that Italian mentality. Even with Argentinians and other foreigners, that remains the idea.

“They will look to suffocate the game for 120 minutes of goalless football. But I’m not worried about anything. My players have shown they have what it takes when it comes to penalties. I hope it continues like that.”

Looks like the Manchester United manager is fully prepared for spot kicks, although while they might have won the Carling Cup on finals, surely the team that they field on Wednesday should be more than capable of scoring within normal time? Is Fergie just dumbing down his team’s attacking capabilities before they let Inter have it with both barrels?